Media Advisory: The University of Arizona Global Campus will honor thousands of graduates at spring Commencement

May 28, 2025

• What: The University of Arizona Global Campus spring Commencement
• When: Sunday, June 1, 9 a.m.
• Where: Desert Diamond Arena, 9400 W. Maryland Ave., Glendale
• RSVP:  RSVP to Brian Mullen, brianmullen@arizona.edu, by noon on Friday, May 30.
• Parking:
  • Saturday: Public parking is available at the Renaissance Phoenix Glendale Hotel & Spa parking structure, 9495 W Entertainment Blvd., for $10 per vehicle.
  • Sunday: Media parking available in the loading dock area on the south side of the Desert Diamond Arena. Check in with security at the gate.
• Livestream: The event will be livestreamed on the UAGC YouTube channel.
• Additional information: https://arizona.box.com/v/UAGC-Commencement-2025

CHANDLER, Ariz. — The University of Arizona Global Campus will celebrate this year's graduates during its spring Commencement on June 1. More than 2,900 graduates and their families are expected to attend the event at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona.

Degrees are being conferred to help graduates meet critical workforce needs including business administration, organizational management, psychology, health care administration and human resources management. Graduates hail from all 50 U.S. states, with the highest numbers from California (618), Texas (387) and Arizona (341). Many also are service members representing military bases throughout the world.

"This weekend's Commencement is more than a celebration of academic achievement – it's a powerful reflection of human resilience," said Gary Packard, interim senior vice provost of Online Initiatives at the University of Arizona. "Each graduate has navigated challenges, juggled responsibilities and made bold choices to invest in themselves and their future. At UAGC, we are proud to champion these determined individuals whose stories redefine what it means to succeed in higher education."

Of particular note, graduates span ages 19 to 70, with an average age of 38, earning degrees across associate, bachelor's, master's and doctoral levels. Many of these graduates are working adults, military-affiliated students and first-generation college students who embody the UAGC mission of making quality education accessible to those balancing life, work and school.

Among those who will cross the stage is the Stice-Hawley family from Washington state – Shawna Stice-Hawley, her husband David Hawley and their son Alijah Hawley – each earning a master's degree in business administration.

"We began our MBA journey at 49 years old," said Shawna. "Initially, it was just Alijah and me, but David surprised us by enrolling too, turning this into something truly unforgettable."

Nearly 30 years ago, Shawna and David cradled baby Alijah at their undergraduate commencement. Now, they will walk the stage beside him, diplomas in hand, ready to launch the next chapter of their shared journey as partners in their family-run financial advising firm.

Lieutenant General Anthony R. "Tony" Hale, deputy chief of staff for Intelligence, G-2, United States Army, will be the keynote speaker. He became the US Army’s 48th Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence, G-2 in January 2024. He is the Senior advisor to the Secretary of the Army and Chief of Staff of the Army for all aspects of Intelligence, Counterintelligence and Security, and responsible for the training, equipping, policy and oversight of an Army Intelligence and Security Enterprise of more than 60,000 Soldiers and civilians. 

UAGC prides itself on its "culture of care," ensuring a student-centered approach in every aspect of its educational delivery. This philosophy is embedded in initiatives that have led to improved retention rates and graduation outcomes, reflecting the university's dedication to student success.

Patricia A. Prelock, U of A provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, will attend the ceremony as well.

"I am honored to join the University of Arizona Global Campus community for its Commencement ceremony," Prelock said. "As a first-generation college student myself, I deeply admire UAGC's support for adult learners and military-connected students, offering several educational options that adapt to people's lives. The persistence of the UAGC class of 2025 is truly inspiring, and I am excited to share this moment with them."

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Established in 1885, the University of Arizona is the state's flagship, land-grant institution. The U of A ranks among America's top institutions, focusing on student access and success while driving a $1 billion research enterprise and engaging communities throughout the state, nation and world. As a leading Research 1 institution and member of the Association of American Universities, the U of A advances the frontiers of interdisciplinary scholarship and entrepreneurial partnerships. With two accredited medical schools, designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution by the U.S. Department of Education, recognition as a premier university for service members, distinguished programs in management information systems, planetary sciences, dance, photography, and public and applied humanities, the U of A offers the world to its students while uplifting Arizona.

The University of Arizona Global Campus is proud to offer over 50 associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs with accelerated online classes designed to help you gain the skills you need. At UAGC, you will be part of the University of Arizona community of students and alumni who support each other from game day to graduation day and beyond. For more information about UAGC, visit UAGC.edu.